Surname Nellinger - Meaning and Origin

Nellinger: What does the surname Nellinger mean?

The last name Nellinger is of German origin. It is derived from two separate words that when combined literally translates to “bear courage”.

Nellinger is thought to originate from the Middle High German language and is now a common surname in many German-speaking and Teutonic areas.

The meaning of the last name is most likely due to the now outdated belief that courage and bravery are something that can be inherited just like physical traits. It was thought that the passing of the name from parents to children would ensure that each generation would have the same strength and bravery.

The common use of this last name as a surname implies a certain amount of pride in the name for those who bear it. This pride could come from the honor associated with being courageous and brave or simply an acknowledgment of ancestry that it is connected to.

It is also possible that the use of the word ‘berger’ in the name is an allusion to the symbol of the bear, an animal popularly associated with bravery and strength.

The Nellingers have been associated with various influential roles and held important positions within the social and political structures of German-speaking regions for centuries. In fact, there is a small but notable immigrant community in Austria that is largely descended from the Nellinger family.

The legacy of the Nellinger name continues today with many people in the ancestral homeland of Germany and other parts of Europe, as well as some countries in North and South America, proudly bearing the name.

Nellinger: Where does the name Nellinger come from?

The last name Nellinger is most commonly found in southwestern Germany, particularly in the regions surrounding the cities of Frankfurt, Mannheim, and Heidelberg. The name has been found in various records for hundreds of years, originating in local villages around the Rhine River.

Over the centuries, the Nellinger surname spread north and east along the Rhine River and the Rhineland area of Germany. During the 17th and 18th centuries, many German immigrants brought the Nellinger surname to the United States and Canada. It is now most common in the U.S. states of Pennsylvania, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

On a global level, the Nellinger name is also fairly common in Austria, Switzerland, France, and other regions of Central Europe. Canada is also home to many people with the last name Nellinger. Research into the Nellinger surname also reveals a strong presence in India, due to the migration of German-born soldiers who served in the British Indian Army in the mid-1800s.

Today, the Nellinger name can be found in various places across the world, as more and more people have chosen to leave their home countries in pursuit of work, a better life, and educational opportunities.

Variations of the surname Nellinger

The surname Nellinger is of German origin, derived from the Latin word ‘nigellus’ meaning ‘little black one’. This surname, as well as its variants, spellings, and other surnames derived from it, are found all over Europe and even as far as North America.

Variants of this surname include Nelliner, Nelinger, Nellin grun, Nelling, Nellingen, Nellinghoff, Nellinger, Neuling, Neulin, Neulingen, and Neulinghofen. There are also several phonetic variants, such as Naellinger, Naellinger, Naling, Nalinger, Nalenberger, Nallenberger, and Nallinger.

In addition to these, there are also other surnames of the same origin, such as Nell, Nellen, Nellenbach, Nellenburger, Nellette, Nellhaus, Nellman, and Nellmers.

The surname has been found in many different countries throughout Europe, and there is a Jewish sect of Nellinger surnames. In the United States, variations of the surname have been found in documents related to Pennsylvania, Ohio, and New York.

Overall, the surname Nellinger is a Germanic surname with a wide range of variants, spellings, and other surnames derived from it. The surname has been documented in multiple countries and throughout dozens of old documents, making it an enduring and widespread name.

Famous people with the name Nellinger

• Chris Nellinger: American professional wrestler
• Khiry Nellinger: Football player for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League
• Steven Nelson: American professional ice hockey player who plays for the Pittsburgh Penguins in the National Hockey League
• William Nellinger: American singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer
• David Nellinger: American rock musician and multi-instrumentalist
• Mike Nellinger: Retired Major League Baseball pitcher who played for the Detroit Tigers and Minnesota Twins
• Bob Nellinger: Retired professional basketball player for the ABA’s Indiana Pacers
• Carl Nellinger: Retired American ice hockey player who played briefly for the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League
• Chris Nellinger: Former pitcher for the Florida Marlins
• Donna Nellinger: Former Miss South Carolina 1984, and the third runner-up in the Miss America pageant that year

Other surnames

Nelling